Men Of God Are Not Anti-Government

The Priest in-charge of the Trinity Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana at Adweso in the Koforidua Municipality, Reverend Ransford Kwabena Awuku-Gyampo, has urged political parties not to see men of God as anti-governments. He said rather they should be seen as people who sought the welfare of the people through the teachings of Christ on the pulpit. He said unfortunately some political parties and politicians due to their parochial and selfish interests suspect men of God as mischievous people. Reverend Awuku-Gyampo who made call in an interaction with the Daily Graphic in Koforidua, was expressing his views on the country's democratic dispensation. According to him, peace must be worked for because "peace is like an egg and if you hold it tightly it would break so if we don�t see peace as God ordained then we should get closer to the church and men of God for counselling". He said in talking to the masses on political issues, peace must be paramount instead of inflammatory language that had the potential to incite people to take the law in their own hands. Reverend Awuku-Gyampo therefore suggested that politicians mounting platforms recorded their speeches and later play it back to themselves and where they make irresponsible statements they would make amends the next time around. "In our manifestoes we should not deceive our people by promising what we cannot provide. Let us tell them the truth because we those who call on the name of God should not deceive the people else the wrath of God would come upon us", he added. He advised against the politics of insults and said such behaviour must be confined to the dustbin as the country prepares for next year's general elections. Reverend Awuku-Gyampo was of the view that events like football which brought people together must be promoted and not politicised in the country since Ghana was bigger than politics. "Within Ghana politics is a small portion yet can bring chaos. If you look at institutions you realise that they are bigger than political parties so why should we allow such a minute thing like politics bring chaos. I am looking forward to the day in this country when political parties would join forces to pray for peace so that generations to come would emulate this shining example", said Reverend Awuku-Gyampo. He prayed that all stakeholders in the country's democratic dispensation would play their roles effectively and efficiently so that the country would continue to enjoy peace which was a pre-requisite for development. He took the opportunity to wish Ghanaians a happy New Year and hoped God would continue to shower His blessings on the country.